Recovery

In this episode, we interview Jay Hatfield, a long-time traveling businessman who eventually landed a work-from-home job. He shares the difficulties of connecting while on the road and some of the personal-time sacrifices he’s had to make to make family life work. Jay shares how to be a team-player with home duties, the give and take benefits and flexibility with his employer, and some of the healthy boundaries and ground-rules he’s had to implement as a work-from-home dad. Jay shares some wisdom about the self-discipline required and the key to making it a win-win for his boss. You’ll also learn a few tips on how to create a daily routine to get ready for the work day.

“In this episode, Brad introduces and explains the Recovering Workaholic Dads Manifesto or core values. What does it mean to be a workaholic dad in recovery? What guiding principles should drive our everyday thinking and actions?

When I talk with folks about how many hours a week they work, I like to get a sense of what is “normal”. The challenge here of course is how do you define “normal”. Normal typically means what MOST people experience.

I think that definition is limited and deceiving in the context of workaholism. For example, if you hang out with a group of guys who regularly drinks a six pack of beer every night, that might be “normal” to you.

If you work in a company where everyone is pulling all-nighters and working every weekend, that might seem “normal” to you based on your experience or the company culture.

However, there is a difference between normal, reasonable, and healthy. So, while working 60+ hours a week on a regular basis might seem normal because everyone around you is doing it, it’s certainly not healthy. Is it reasonable though? Well, that’s completely up to you. If your priorities and values are wrapped up in your salary and title, and you have to work that many hours in return for big bonuses and promotions, then yes, it’s completely reasonable.

But, if you value your wife and kids more than your paycheck, I’d say not only is it not healthy, but it’s also unreasonable to work 60+ hours a week.

It all comes down to your values and priorities. If my company offered me 1 million dollars a year in exchange for 80 hours a week of work, I’d say no thank you. Having 1 million dollars (actually about 600K after taxes) isn’t worth ending up in divorce or separation from my family. I wouldn’t have time for my health, my friends, my family, or anything else in my world that I value just as much if not more than my paycheck. I’d end up with a bag of money, and I’d be standing all by myself at the end of the day…empty and devoid of LIFE. That’s not reasonable, regardless of the amount of money offered. I’d say NO THANK YOU!

What does it mean to be a workaholic dad in recovery? What guiding principles should drive our everyday thinking and actions? The answer is our Recovering Workaholic Dads Manifesto. Download and Print Our Manifesto

We’re Intensely Focused on Relationships

We’re Passionate about Connecting With Our Kids

We Live Balanced Lives

We Honor Our Vows as Husbands

We Leave a Family Legacy

We Work Efficiently, Effectively, and Productively

We Leave Work at The Office

We Put Family First

We Are Recovering Workaholic Dads!

If you are on board with these values, send us a note using the form below, simply saying “I’m In!”

Footer

Testimonials

Rob T - Dallas, TX

Throughout my time spent with Coach Brad, he’s provided insight that I wasn’t able to see before. Ultimately, this out the box observation has allowed me to redirect my focus as well as redefine my definition of productivity. Going forward, I’m optimistic for my continued relationship with Coach Brad and excited for success to come.

Ron M - Farmers Branch, TX

Due to being self employed and constantly focused on sales, it has been very difficult to feel like I am "on track" with the most important things in life. Brad and I have spoken in detail about these things. I have been struck by Brad's intuitive listening ability. Brad has been able to "re-frame" things for me and it has created important "ah-ha" moments for me.

The most important changes for me have been in my work life. Instead of feeling like there is some other big purpose I am missing in life, he helped me see that my day to day life and interaction with everyone around me and the positive and life changing effects it can have is my "ministry". I am extremely grateful for the change in perspective. I realize I am not missing anything and I can make a big difference in people's lives right where I am and with the platform God has given me in my work.

William G - Dallas, TX

Our session was very eye opening and informative for me. My biggest take away, was I have high expectations that I tend to project on others.

Tim S - Dallas, TX

I wanted to express to you how happy my girlfriend and I are with the Relationship Journal we purchased last year. Mary and I also journal on our own, but your journal allows us to put these efforts to better use, in my opinion. We just love the way journaling together enhances our relationship! We reciprocate by taking turns asking questions and pass the journal back and forth. I always look forward to reading her answers and new questions. I think the Relationship Journal also makes a terrific gift. I wish you much success in your endeavor. Thanks so much!